Firearm sling and method of making

ABSTRACT

A sling mount system having a mount with associated receiver for releasable connection with a swivel connector having a longitudinal axis that lies in the same plane as a longitudinal axis of a weapon and that angles downward away from the butt stock. The receptacle for the swivel connector is integrally formed in the mount to facilitate silent connection and disconnection of the swivel mount thereto.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.29/197,103, filed Jan. 9, 2004, now pending, which application isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to slings for carrying an object and,more particularly, to a sling system adapted for use with a singleattachment point on firearms to provide greater strength and quieteroperation in a variety of tactical environments.

2. Description of the Related Art

Slings are of ancient origin, devised generally of a loop of rope,strap, or a chain for supporting a load. While its history remainsunknown, the sling is in widespread use in modern times in connectionwith a variety of manual and mechanical uses, including baby slings, armslings, camera slings, musical instrument slings, and weapon slings.

When used manually, a properly designed sling will distribute the loadfor balance and comfort, and it will facilitate use of the load. Forexample, a baby sling holds the baby close to the caregiver in a mannerthat keeps the caregiver's hands free and avoids back strain whilekeeping the baby in a position to see the caregiver and be fed andcomforted. Slings used for musical instruments are designed for loadsupport and comfort while positioning the instrument so it can be playedand, in some cases, so that music can be supported thereon for readingby the carrier.

Slings for weapons, and in particular rifles, shotguns, and otherlong-barreled weapons, have been designed to provide not only hands-freesupport, but to facilitate bringing the weapon quickly into aready-to-use position. Such designs include those disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,211,351; 4,823,491; 5,810,219; 5,971,239; 6,260,748; 6,325,251;6,536,153; 6,598,330; and D495,870.

One area of concern is material failure in the sling fabric such thatthe sling separates or fabric loops formed by the sling material comeundone, causing the weapon to fall away or become lost. Another concernis the ease and silence of operation of the sling. For example, the needfrequently arises to quickly and sometimes silently engage and disengagethe weapon from the sling while retaining the sling on the user's body.A further concern is the loss of mounting hardware and buckles whenreleasable loops on the sling are opened.

While various slings in the past have been developed for carryingfirearms, they have one or more of the disadvantages discussed above.For example, U.S. Pat. No. D462,513 shows a mounting ring and buckleattached to a single temporary loop that is held in place by a 3-barslide. The draw-back with this design is the substantial stress placedon the temporary loop by both the mounting ring and buckle, as well asthe potential for losing the ring when undoing the sling. Hence, thereis a need for an improved sling and method of making that overcomes thedisadvantages of prior slings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are directed to asling formed of a strap and a corresponding weapon system having asingle attachment point in which the strap has a permanent, durabledouble loop at one end to reinforce the sling and to provide more quietoperation and prevent loss of connecting members.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a strap is providedthat includes a flexible filament having a first end with a pair ofadjacent loops thereon and a second end with a single loop formedthereon. Ideally, the pair of loops includes a first loop formed by afirst fold of the first end and a second formed by a second fold of thefirst end that is adjacent the first fold.

In accordance with another aspect of the foregoing embodiment, a tip ofthe first end is sewn to the flexible filament between the first andsecond loops to permanently form the first and second loops. In oneembodiment, the first end is folded under the first loop to form thesecond loop, and in another embodiment the first end of the strap isfolded on top of the first loop to form the second loop.

Ideally, the loops are formed by permanently attaching the flexiblefilament to itself, such as with adhesive, rivets, or, more preferably,stitching.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a sling isprovided that includes a strap formed of flexible filament having afirst end with a pair of adjacent loops formed thereon and a second endwith a single loop formed thereon, the pair of loops including a firstloop formed by a first fold of the first end and a second loop formed bya second fold of the first end adjacent the first fold with a terminalend or tip of the first end permanently attached to the flexiblefilament between the first and second folds to permanently form thefirst and second loops; a length adjusting buckle attached to the singleloop on the second end of the strap and slidably mounted on the strap toform an adjustable loop and to provide adjustment in the size of theadjustable loop and in the operational length of the sling; a firstbuckle member slidably received on the adjustable loop of the strap; asecond buckle member mounted on the first loop and configured forreleasable coupling to the first buckle member; and a connection device,such as a swivel connector, attached to the second loop of the pair ofloops.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a weapon systemis provided that includes a weapon having at least one attachment point,and a sling releasably coupled to the weapon or firearm at a singleattachment point of the at least one attachment point. The slingpreferably includes a strap formed of flexible filament having a firstend with a pair of adjacent loops formed thereon and a second end with asingle loop formed thereon, the pair of loops comprising a first loopformed by a first fold of the first end and a second loop formed by asecond fold of the first end adjacent the first fold with a tip of thefirst end permanently attached to the flexible filament between thefirst and second folds to permanently form the first and second loops; alength adjusting buckle attached to the single loop on the second end ofthe strap and slidably mounted on the strap to form an adjustable loopand to provide adjustment in the size of the adjustable loop and in theoperational length of the sling; a first buckle member slidably receivedon the adjustable loop of the strap; a second buckle member mounted onthe first loop and configured for releasable coupling to the firstbuckle member; and a connection device attached to the second loop ofthe pair of loops.

Ideally, the sling incorporates the aspects of the foregoing embodimentof the invention set forth above with respect to the strap.

As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the sling of thepresent invention provides a one-point tactical sling system utilizingquick-release buckles and a permanently-secured swivel connector thatprovides unmatched freedom of movement, reliable weapon indexing, smoothweapon transitions, superior weaponry tension, and security. Loss ofbuckles and swivel mounts is reduced by permanent attachment to theloops, and quiet operation is promoted by separation of mechanicalelements attached to the first and second loops. In addition, enhancedstrength is provided at the second loop by the extension of the strappast the second loop and through the swivel connector from which theweapon is suspended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be more readily appreciated as the same become better understoodfrom the following detailed description when taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a firearm sling formed in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the firearm sling of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of the sling of FIG. 1 in use with aweapon;

FIG. 9 is a back isometric view of an alternative use of the sling inconnection with a weapon in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the sling of FIG. 1 in use with a weaponat the ready position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosedembodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specificdetails or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In otherinstances, well-known structures or components or both associated withweapon systems, slings, and straps, and other devices such as buckles,fasteners, connection members, and the like have not been shown ordescribed in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring theillustration and description of the embodiments of the presentinvention.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as“comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusivesense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or theappearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “flexible filament,” “strap,”or “sling” is not intended in a limiting sense, but is rather intendedto refer to any elongate structure that exhibits flexible or bendableproperties without being stretchable, although stretchable may be used,it is not preferred.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-7, shown therein is a sling 20 formed inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It is to beunderstood that while the sling 20 is described in the context ofattaching a sling to a rifle, one or more features of the presentinvention can be applied to other weapons known to those in the art.Moreover, the present invention can be adapted for use with otherobjects having a similar configuration. Thus, the present invention isnot to be limited to the representative embodiments illustrated anddescribed herein.

The sling 20 is preferably formed of a flexible filament, such as astrap 22. Ideally, the strap 22 is formed of nylon webbing material,including material marketed under brand names such as Cordura®.Preferably the strap 20 has a width in the range of 0.75 inch to 3inches in order to provide sufficient support and to be comfortable to auser. Its length will depend on the particular application, and for useas a weapon sling it has a length preferably in the range of 36 inchesto 96 inches. The thickness may vary, depending on the type of material,from 0.05 inch to 0.10 inch. It is to be understood that the dimensionsreferenced above are with respect to the unfinished length, width, andthickness of the flexible filament prior to formation into the strap andsling described below. Although not necessary, having material that isof a waterproof nature or that has been treated to be waterproof orwater resistant would be desirable in certain applications.

Continuing with the description of the sling 20, the strap 22 as shownin FIGS. 1-7 has a first end 24 and a second end 26 that are each formedin two loops as follows: There are on the first end 24 a pair ofadjacent loops comprising a first loop 28 and a second loop 30, while onthe second end 26 is formed a single loop 32. Ideally all three loops28, 30, 32 are of a fixed dimension because their construction ispermanent.

More particularly, the first and second loops 28, 30 are formed byfolding the first end 24 back onto itself to make a first fold. Thefirst end 24 is then folded back to partially overlay the first fold toform a second fold. In a preferred embodiment, the first end 24 isfolded partially under the first fold to form the second fold. However,it is to be understood that the first end 24 may be folded back on topof the first fold to form the second fold, leaving a terminal end 34 ofthe first end 24 exposed. As such, the exposed terminal end 34 issubject to catching on items, fraying, and possibly tearing loose, andhence is not a preferred construction. The foregoing-applies equally tothe terminal end 36 of the second end 26, which will be described inmore detail hereinbelow.

With the terminal end 34 at least partially tucked under the first fold,it is sandwiched between two layers of the flexible filament. In thepreferred embodiment, the three layers are permanently attached bystitching 38. This construction protects the terminal end 34, preservesits integrity, and the integrity of the attachment, and this also formsthe first and second loops 28, 30. More particularly, the stitching 38,as shown in FIG. 1, forms a permanent separation between the first andsecond loops 28, 30 of a distance as shown in FIG. 1. The stitching goesthrough all three layers to provide a permanent attachment.

It is to be understood that means other than the stitching 38 can beused for attaching the three layers of the flexible filament together.These means include adhesive, thermal bonding, rivets, and otherfastening means known to those skilled in the art. Stitching ispreferred because of its compatibility with the existing material of theflexible filament, its ease of implementation and durability, and itsstrength. In addition, it leaves no exposed metal or plastic to contactother objects and to generate noise.

The loop 32 formed at the first end 26 of the strap 22 is similarlyconstructed, i.e., the first end 26 is folded over onto the strap 22 toform the first loop 32. The terminal end 36 is stitched to the strap 22with stitching 40 as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the terminal end 36is not sandwiched between three layers but instead is exposed. However,in use it will be positioned between layers of the strap 22 as describedbelow.

When constructed in accordance with the foregoing method, the strap 22will have a permanent pair of loops 28, 30 formed at its first end 24 inwhich the first loop 28 becomes the end of the strap and the second loop30 has the flexible filament extending past it so that the second loop30 is adjacent to the flexible filament or strap 22. The other end ofthe strap 22, the second end 26, has the single loop 32 formed thereon,which forms the other end of the strap 22 in its finished state.

The sling 20 is formed by utilizing hardware as shown in FIGS. 1-7. Afirst adjustable loop 42 is formed by having a length adjusting buckle44 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 1-7) permanently attached to the singleloop 32. Ideally, the length adjusting buckle 44 is a tri-glide sliderthat is well known and commercially available and will not be describedin detail herein. Briefly, the tri-glide slider 44 has a center postpermanently attached to the strap 22. The center post forms two openingson either side thereof through which the strap 22 is threaded in awell-known manner to create the adjustable loop 42. The adjustable loop42 has a first buckle member 46 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 1-7) slidablymounted on the strap 22, and a mating second buckle member 48 (shown inphantom in FIGS. 1-7) that is slidably attached to the first loop 28 ofthe pair of loops on the first end 24 of the strap 22. In a preferredembodiment, the first and second buckle members are a side release typeof buckle. As shown in FIG. 1, the first buckle member 46 comprises afemale receptacle and the second buckle member 48 comprises the matingmale lug. The construction and use of these buckle members 46, 48 arewell known and will not be described in further detail herein.

A connection member is slidably received within the second loop 30 atthe first end 24 of the strap 22. In a preferred embodiment, theconnection member comprises a swivel connector 50, shown in phantom inFIGS. 1-7. The swivel connector 50 is used to connect the sling 20 to aweapon, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

The operational length of the sling 20 is adjusted by changing the sizeof the loop 42 through sliding the tri-glide buckle 44 along the strap22 in a conventional manner. The side release buckle 52 permits thesling 20 to be quickly and easily detached or attached, as the case maybe.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the swivel connector 50 issupported by not only the second loop 30 but also the strap 22 that isadjacent the second loop 30, thus providing additional support for theweight of a weapon that is attached to the sling 20. In addition, theparticular construction shown herein has the terminal end 36 of thesecond end 26 of the strap 22 protected by having it positioned betweentwo layers of the flexible filament 22.

Referring next to FIGS. 8-10, shown therein is the sling 20 of theembodiment described above in use with a weapon 60.

As illustrated herein, the user 62 is wearing the strap 20 so that theweapon 60 is held in front of the user's torso area 64 with the muzzle66 of the weapon 60 pointed down and the butt stock 68 pointed up. Thestrap 22 extends over the user's right shoulder 70, around the back andunder the left arm 72. In FIG. 9, the weapon 60 is similarly held behindthe user's torso area 64 with the muzzle 66 again pointing down.

The weapon 60 has at least one attachment point 74 to which the swivelconnector 50 is releasably coupled. Other attachment points can includethe gun sight, although this is not preferred for a number of reasons,including possible damage to the gun sight, having the weapon suspendedwith the muzzle pointing upward, and distribution of the weight.Consequently, it is preferred that the attachment point 74 near the buttstock 68 be used as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10.

FIG. 10 shows the weapon 60 brought up to the user's right shoulder 70in a position where the weapon 60 is ready to be used. As can be seenmore clearly in this view, the strap 22 extends from the stitching 38adjacent the second loop 30 and through a ring 54 on the swivelconnector 50. In this way, not only does the second loop 30 providesupport for the weapon 60 on the swivel connector 50, but the additionallayer of the strap 22 reinforces the support and provides a backup meansof holding the weapon to the user. The sling 20 can be adjusted via thelength adjusting buckle 44 such that the operational length of the strap22 can be lengthened or shortened to thereby increase or decrease thediameter of the sling when it is worn by the user.

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications,U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applicationsand non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/orlisted in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein byreference, in their entirety.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specificembodiments of the invention have been-described herein for purposes ofillustration, various modifications may be made without deviating fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is notlimited except as by the appended claims.

1. A strap, comprising: a flexible filament having a first end with apair of adjacent loops thereon and a second end with a single loopformed thereon.
 2. The strap of claim 1 wherein the pair of loopscomprise a first loop formed by a first fold of the first end of theflexible filament and a second loop formed by a second fold of the firstend of the flexible filament that is permanently attached to theflexible filament adjacent to the first fold.
 3. The strap of claim 2wherein a tip of the first end of the flexible filament is sewn to theflexible filament between the first and the second folds to permanentlyform the first and the second loops.
 4. The strap of claim 3 wherein thefirst end of the flexible filament is folded under the first fold toform the second loop.
 5. The strap of claim 3 wherein the first end ofthe flexible filament is folded on top of the first loop to form thesecond loop.
 6. The strap of claim 3 wherein the flexible filamentextends beyond the second loop to provide a second layer of materialadjacent the second loop.
 7. A sling, comprising a strap formed offlexible filament having a first end with a pair of adjacent loopsformed thereon and a second end with a single loop formed thereon, thepair of loops comprising a first loop formed by a first fold of thefirst end and a second loop formed by a second fold of the first endadjacent the first fold with a tip of the first end permanently attachedto the flexible filament between the first and second folds topermanently form the first and second loops; a length adjusting buckleattached to the single loop on the second end of the strap and slidablymounted on the strap to form an adjustable loop and to provideadjustment in the size of the adjustable loop and in the operationallength of the sling; a first buckle member slidably received on theadjustable loop of the strap; a second buckle member mounted on thefirst loop and configured for releasable coupling to the first bucklemember; and a connection device attached to the second loop of the pairof loops.
 8. The sling of claim 7 wherein the strap extends beyond thesecond loop and is attached to the connection member along with thesecond loop.
 9. The sling of claim 8 wherein the second loop isreinforced by the strap of flexible filament extending beyond the secondloop and attached to the connection member.
 10. The sling of claim 7wherein the first end of the strap is folded under the first fold toform the second loop.
 11. The sling of claim 7 wherein the first end ofthe strap is folded on top of the first loop to form the second loop.12. The sling of claim 7 wherein the first and second loops areseparated by an area of attachment such that the connector member in thesecond loop does not contact the second buckle member in the first loop.13. The sling of claim 12 wherein the attachment to form the first andsecond loops comprises stitching through the flexible filament.
 14. Thesling of claim 13 wherein the first and second buckle members togethercomprise a side release buckle.
 15. The sling of claim 13 wherein thelength adjusting buckle comprises a tri-glide buckle having a center barand two end bars, and wherein the first loop is permanently attached tothe center bar of the tri-glide buckle.
 16. A weapon system, comprising:a firearm having at least one attachment point; and a sling releasablycoupled to the firearm at a single attachment point of the at least oneattachment point, the sling comprising: a strap formed of flexiblefilament having a first end with a pair of adjacent loops formed thereonand a second end with a single loop formed thereon, the pair of loopscomprising a first loop formed by a first fold of the first end and asecond loop formed by a second fold of the first end adjacent the firstfold with a tip of the first end permanently attached to the flexiblefilament between the first and second folds to permanently form thefirst and second loops; a length adjusting buckle attached to the singleloop on the second end of the strap and slidably mounted on the strap toform an adjustable loop and to provide adjustment in the size of theadjustable loop and in the operational length of the sling; a firstbuckle member slidably received on the adjustable loop of the strap; asecond buckle member mounted on the first loop and configured forreleasable coupling to the first buckle member; and a connection deviceattached to the second loop of the pair of loops.
 17. The sling of claim16 wherein the strap extends beyond the second loop and is attached tothe connection member along with the second loop.
 18. The sling of claim17 wherein the second loop is reinforced by the strap of flexiblefilament extending beyond the second loop and attached to the connectionmember.
 19. The sling of claim 16 wherein the first end of the strap isfolded under the first fold to form the second loop.
 20. The sling ofclaim 16 wherein the first end of the strap is folded on top of thefirst loop to form the second loop.
 21. The sling of claim 16 whereinthe first and second loops are separated by an area of attachment suchthat the connector member in the second loop does not contact the secondbuckle member in the first loop.
 22. The sling of claim 21 wherein theattachment to form the first and second loops comprises stitchingthrough the flexible filament.
 23. The sling of claim 22 wherein thefirst and second buckle members together comprise a side release buckle.24. The sling of claim 22 wherein the length adjusting buckle comprisesa tri-glide buckle having a center bar and two end bars, and wherein thefirst loop is permanently attached to the center bar of the tri-glidebuckle.